New Pedestrian Crossovers

"On January 1st, 2016, the Highway Traffic Act was revised to include a regulation which identifies a new type of Pedestrian Crossover. Now municipalities can install pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low to medium volume roads.

Pedestrian Crossovers in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa will be installing up to 60 Pedestrian Crossovers each year for the next three years as part of a City Council approved pilot program. Crossovers will be situated at warranted locations throughout the city, starting in the summer of 2016. In the first year, these locations will include: new crossings where no crossing existed before, retrofitting of existing crossings, and single lane roundabouts.

At roundabouts where Pedestrian Crossovers are being installed, pedestrians will now have the right of way over vehicles.

What is a Pedestrian Crossover?

Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian Crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons.

Always watch for pedestrians at these crossings. Pedestrians should make an indication to vehicles that they want to cross and make eye contact with the driver before entering the roadway. At Pedestrian Crossovers equipped with flashing beacons, pedestrians may push a button to make the beacon flash to enhance driver’s awareness that they will be crossing. Drivers and cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crossover. Once pedestrians have cleared the entire roadway, drivers may proceed with caution. Note also that vehicles must not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres prior to a Pedestrian Crossover.

It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules at Pedestrian Crossovers."

To find out more including the locations of the pedestrian crossovers, click here.